Karnataka CM Seeks Centre’s Support as Urea Demand Rises Amid Expanding Crop Area

Speedy Summary

• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the central government to supply 1,65,541 tonnes of urea that have not been provided as per the state’s allocation for the 2025 kharif season.
• The state was allocated 11,17,000 tonnes of urea by the Center but has only received 5,16,959 tonnes till July. Its requirement between April and July is 6,80,655 tonnes.
• Farmers in north Karnataka are protesting and waiting in front of fertiliser shops due to a shortage of urea.
• Early monsoon arrival and an increase in crop area have created higher demand for fertilizers this year compared to previous years.
• Crops such as maize (a high fertiliser-consuming crop) have seen a notable rise in sowing area by two lakh hectares this season; areas under pulses cultivation have decreased.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The shortage of urea amidst increased agricultural activities highlights infrastructural challenges within India’s fertilizer distribution network during critical seasons like kharif sowing. Karnataka’s case underscores how shifts like early monsoons can strain pre-planned allocations from the Centre and complicate local farming needs quickly.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s appeal reflects urgent concerns over farmer unrest resulting from supply mismatches during crucial planting phases-a possible disruption with food security implications if unresolved promptly. Additionally, coordination issues between fertilizer companies cited as unable to meet their delivery commitments further point toward systemic inefficiencies that merit attention for smoother future allocation mechanisms.

Farmers’ protests underline their vulnerabilities when dependent on timely access to basic inputs like fertilizers-necessitating robust dialog between Central authorities and states regarding seasonal contingencies based on meteorological patterns or cropping needs.Read more: https://www.thehindu.com